US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
This year, as we recognize the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), CDC celebrates the significant advances the public health community has made to reduce health disparities and improve inclusion for the disability community. However, there is still much work to do to ensure people with disabilities can access the same health care as people without disabilities and achieve positive health outcomes.
CDC and Disability and Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been involved in disability and health activities since 1988. CDC’s mission is to promote the health and full participation in society by people with disabilities across the lifespan.
Monitoring the Health of People With and Without Disabilities
CDC monitors the health of people with and without disabilities to identify how health issues affect people in different ways and why some people are at higher risk for certain diseases and conditions. Studies have shown that people with disabilities are more likely to have poorer overall health, less access to adequate health care, and increased risk for preventable health problems. These data are important to help identify barriers to achieving good health, and to design prevention and health promotion programs aimed at reducing health disparities and improving the health of people with disabilities.
Promoting Public Health
CDC supports work that improves overall health and quality of life for people with disabilities. It supports the inclusion of people with disabilities in public health programs that prevent disease and promote healthy behaviors and safety, while working to eliminate barriers to health care and improve access to routine preventive services.